3 Reds top prospects who should be trade candidates and 2 who should be off limits

Reds top prospect who should be off limits: Rece Hinds, OF

Two months ago, I would have told you that it's time to part ways with Rece Hinds. But the former second-round pick has made great strides over the past month, and because of the Cincinnati Reds lack of depth in the outfield, the organization cannot afford to part with Hinds.

Hinds has certainly had his share of struggles since being taken with the 49th-overall pick in the 2019 MLB Draft. Hinds' power has always been his carrying tool, but too many swings and misses made it difficult to project his future.

The Reds moved Hinds off the infield dirt and into the outfield last spring in an effort to help the 22-year-old find a permanent home moving forward. The majority of Hinds' starts this season have come in right field, but he's also seen time in left field as well.

Through his first 42 games of 2023, Hinds hit just .206 and struck out 73 times while drawing just nine free passes. Since June 1st, however, Hinds is hitting .378 with only 29 strikeouts and nine walks.

Rece Hinds is currently on the seven-day IL at Double-A Chattanooga, but once he gets back on the field, the expectation will be that the slugger continues to elevate his level of play. The Cincinnati Reds will need to add Hinds to the 40-man roster this offseason in order to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft.